For my MeSearch project, I choose to research my dad Rafiqul Islam. I decided to research him because I know so little about my dad's life story. I don't know anything about his childhood or teenage years. I want to know about my dad so I can get closer to him to know about his dream and help him achieve it as his son. For this project, I interviewed my mom Thahmina Begum, and also spoke to my father's sister, Zulekah Akhter When interviewing my mom, I tried to get the most information as I could about his education, jobs, habitats, and dreams However, there was some holes in her story, so I asked my aunt because they grew up together in the same household. I asked her about his childhood, school, and friends. 

Some interesting facts I learned were, first, his marriage to my mom Thahmina was an arranged marriage. They were family friends but never knew each other. I found out the date and saw their marriage certificate as well. Second, my dad had to abandon his education to provide for his family when his father fell ill and passed away due to lung cancer. He dropped out of school and started working as a road roller to earn money. Lastly, My dad was never close to his sibling like how my siblings and I are. He was never able to build that siblings bond due to him taking up responsibility and working all the time. He sacrificed all for them but was never able to get close to them.  

Rafiqul Islam was born on July 1, 1976, in Munshigonj, Bangladesh. Rafiqul was Ramiz Uddin's second child with Jahanara Begum. Rafiqul had four siblings: two brothers and two sisters. Rafiul's youth was mostly of him going to school every day and participating in sports like football and cricket. Rafiqul lost his childhood fast. Rafiqul's father began to fall ill while he pursued his education. Rafiqul's father suffered from stage 2 lung cancer, which is only getting worse. His father did not have much time. After learning about his father, Rafiqul accepted that he would be the next man in the house. He would need to accept responsibility for his family. Shortly after his father's death, Rafiqul had to discontinue his education and drop out. to go find a job and support his family. He found a job and began working as a road roller in construction. He spent his youth and teenage years working for his family. 

Rafiqul grew up, married Thahmina Begun, and started a family of his own. On January 5, 1995, Rafiqul Islam married Thahmina Begum. Toriqul Munna, their first son, was born on April 23, 1996. They had their first daughter, Sadeya Islam, on October 6, 2001. Finally, they had me on July 16, 2006. As his children grew older, Rafiqul realized that he always wanted to go to a far away country for a better life for himself and his children. He accepts that now is the moment to pursue that desire for his children as they grow up. This led to Rafiqul to contact his sister to find out if he could travel to the United States under her American citizenship. After my aunt and father eventually agreed on how to handle a sponsorship, the paperwork began. Months of going to and from the immigration office, filling out all types of paperwork, passport, visa, and green card applications. Due to the 9/11 terrorist attack, we needed additional time and money to apply, as we were seen as threats coming from a third-world Muslim country. 

It was difficult for us to leave all of our close friends and family in Bangladesh, as well as all of our treasured values, and relocate permanently. Our home, farm, village, and grandfather's grave were all being left behind. On July 11, 2011, our Emirates aircraft had touched down on the runway. My parents' eyes sparkled with joy as they got ready to start a new chapter in their lives. It was a frighteningly thrilling day for all of us. After ten years in the United States, my parents decided to apply for citizenship. They studied for the test for days and nights and the next thing they knew they passed the interview. They received their certificate of citizenship and were sworn in during their naturalization ceremony, which took place a week later. At last, they were citizens of the United States. Their dream of living in a foreign nation finally came true.